Cost

Attention Primary School Teachers:
This Core Training offered in Thurles on 3-5 July has been approved as part of a Blended Learning Summer Course for CPD. Teachers wishing to avail of the EPV days will need to complete two online modules in addition to the on-site training. We are looking at making those online modules available to any others who would like to do a bit more of the theory of Godly Play.

Course Content

Over 3 days you will develop your practice and understanding of the art of Godly Play. The training follows an action / reflection model of learning. There is a mixture of trainer-led presentations in each genre and participant storytelling presentations. Each day explores on of the primary genres of Godly Play:

Sacred Stories, Parables and Liturgical Lessons.

Workshops in the cord module also cover details of how to set up a Godly Play environment, the theology and spirituality of childhood, and time to explore your concerns and questions.

What is Godly Play?

Godly Play is a gentle way to invite children to listen to God’s word and explore its meaning for their
lives. It does not tell the children what to think, or give them ‘the right answer’, but humbly sets up a
safe and sacred space in which to proclaim Holy Scripture in a way that facilitates children’s hearing,
understanding and response. A Godly Play session begins with getting ready to hear and listen
deeply to Scripture. The Godly Play style of storytelling uses words coupled with movement of the
story materials, so that the Scripture is proclaimed both verbally and visually. Together we make
time to ponder meditative questions (that are designed to have neither a right nor wrong answer!)
and the children are then invited to work with art materials or the story materials as they continue
to engage with the story. After this creative response time, the group comes together again to enjoy
a snack and finish the session with social interaction.

How can Godly Play be used?

Godly Play can be used in children’s play and pray groups, schools, hospitals and parent / children groups, as part of a homeschooling programme or family worship, as part of Sacramental Preparation or adapted for use in children’s liturgy. Training in Godly Play offers the tools to welcome our children as individuals, and the language with which to share our faith. The training will teach us to create a space to enable children to make connections, will give us the confidence to admit we don’t always know the answers, help us to slow down the pace and to be open to the unexpected.

Trainers

Dr Cora O’Farrell is a member of the Godly Play College of Trainers. She lectures in Religious Education at St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, a college of DCU. She is also a Member of the Council for Catechetics, Irish Catholic Bishops Conference. Cora’s doctoral research was is the area of Children’s Spirituality, and she wrote the textbook for first and second class for the new RE primary school curriculum. Cora lives in Dublin.

Dr Jessie Rogers is a member of the Godly Play College of Trainers. She lectures in Scripture at the Pontifical University, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth and has trained as a spiritual director in the Ignatian tradition. Jessie lives in County Limerick.

For more Information

If you require further information about Godly Play or this course, contact Jessie by: